Expert warns of lasting m23 entrenchment in eastern drc amid stalled peace process
During a recent discussion hosted by journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, researcher Joshua Z. Walker shared his critical perspective on the prolonged stalemate in the peace process between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Walker, an Associate Fellow with Chatham House’s Africa program and a Senior Fellow at New York University’s (NYU) Center on International Cooperation, offered a cautious yet stark assessment when asked about potential scenarios if Washington’s patience with the ongoing deadlock were to wane.
Acknowledging that he is “not a prophet,” Walker presented two primary possibilities. The first suggested a regression to the dynamics observed before 2025, prior to the significant increase in American involvement in the regional dispute. The second, more concerning, hypothesis pointed to the simple continuation of the current impasse.
It is this second scenario that deeply troubles the expert. Walker articulated his concern, stating, “I often say that even if there is no M23 withdrawal, every day that passes with the M23 continuing to occupy parts of eastern Congo, they become more entrenched.”
He emphasized that the mere passage of time acts as a compounding factor, exacerbating the situation. “This is the real fear, in fact: that we reach a point where, simply through the passage of time, we end up with a situation where, de facto, a portion of the DRC remains entirely outside government control,” Walker concluded, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.
